Advanced Placement, Honors courses less popular last school
year
Gilroy – Fewer Gilroy High School students signed up for Advanced Placement and Honors courses last year despite the district’s stated goal to beef up enrollment in the specialty classes.
During the 2005-06 school year, a total of 256 students enrolled in AP classes, a decrease of six compared to the previous year. Enrollments did increase in six disciplines but declined in English language, history, statistics, Spanish language and biology.
Enrollment dropped in Honors placement subject areas. In global studies, student interest fell from 176 in 2004-05 to 112 in 2005-06. In world history, enrollment declined from 153 to 89. In English, enrollment dropped from 299 to 217 and science fell from 117 to 97.
The math loss totaled 59, dropping from 135 to 76. Honors courses are designed for freshmen and sophomores, while AP classes are specifically for juniors and seniors.
The number of students passing AP exams, which most colleges will use to waive certain courses, has jumped slightly in English literature, government, U.S. history, statistics, Spanish language, Spanish literature, biology and environmental science.
But passing rates fell in English language, macroeconomics and calculus.
Increasing both enrollment in those advanced courses and the passing rates on AP exams is a districtwide goal. Gail Donovan, Gilroy Unified School District director of assessment and intervention programs, and Principal James Maxwell went over the numbers, comparing the past four years’ enrollment during Thursday’s board meeting.
And if the district works to make the classes more difficult, the crowds will follow, Maxwell said.
“Our goal is to increase the rigor,” he said. “Because in the land of AP and Honors kids tend to bring their friends with them.”
Maxwell is compiling this year’s AP and Honors enrollment numbers and should have them ready by next week.
